Readers digest int may 2016 128

RS
HOUF
O T
A
GREDING
REA

SKYDIVING

TERROR
PAGE 30

STEM and
the Future of
Education

Revival of
Customer
Service

PAGE 70

PAGE 106

Revealed The World’s
Best-Kept Health Secrets
PAGE 37

Rethinking
Meditation
PAGE 52

How to Have
a Happy Teen
PAGE 56

Smart Animals �����������������������������������������������

14

Jane Goodall in Conversation ������������������������ 46
All in a Day’s Work ���������������������������������������

100


Explore, Interact,
Explore,
Interact, Inspire
Inspire
Available now, everywhere

Available now, everywhere


Contents
MAY 2016

30

Cover Story

RESCUE AT 4500 FEET
Skydiver Sheldon McFarlane thought he
was in for an easy day supervising students.
He was wrong. AS TO L D TO H E L E N S I G N Y

37

P.

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46

P.

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64

Health

WORLD’S BEST HEALTH SECRETS
The most achievable ways to improve your
health, from diet tweaks to new science.

44

Priceless Moment

THE TANTRUM
The President of the United States is no
match for a two year old wearing the wrong
dress. L AU R A M O S E R F R O M S L AT E

46

Profile

THE CALL OF THE WILD
Jane Goodall shares wisdom from a life
filled with learning. L I SA B RY N R U N D L E

52

First Person

MEDITATION & ME
How one writer learned to stop doing things.
WILLIAM ECENBARGER

56

Relationships

HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY TEENAGER
All the best tricks and tips from the latest
research. J OY P E R SAU D

64

Nature

ANIMAL SPOTTING CRUISES
You’ll be amazed at the wildlife a cruise ship
can encounter.

May•2016

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1


Contents
MAY 2016

P.

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70

72

Instant Answers

STEM
Why the focus is on Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths. H A Z E L F LY N N

72

Travel

HAVANA AT 96
Flying down to Cuba is an adventure for anyone,
let alone a nonagenarian. H È L È N E D E B I L LY

80

Personal Essay

I WISH I COULD TELL HER THAT NOW
He felt his mother smothered him, but after
his son’s birth, he began to understand.
M I C H A E L   C H R I ST I E F R O M T H E N E W YO R K T I M E S

84

Photo Essay

HALLOWED HALLS
Seven unforgettable churches, from all ends
of the Earth. CO R N E L I A KU M F E R T

91

P.

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106

Behind the News

THE NEXT MASS SHOOTER
How profilers find the people likely to lose
control, and the one thing that works to stop
them. TO M J U N O D F R O M E SQ U I R E

102

Look Twice

SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY
A lithe, majestic, muscled lion … up a tree –
for very good reason.

106

Consumer Survey

ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
A special Reader’s Digest survey reveals what
we like and what we loathe when it comes to
customer service. KAT H Y B U C H A N A N

2

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May•2016


THE DIGEST
Health

P.

16 Diabetes truths; foot care and
overcoming exercise excuses.

|

16

Food

22 Perfect pasta tips and an easyto-make chocolate cake.

Travel

24 Thailand’s star attractions, plus
top travel insurance tips.

Home

26 The right paint for the job.
Pets

38 Choosing a pet for your child.
Out & About

114 All that’s best in books, movies
and unexpected news.

REGULARS
4 Letters
7 Editor’s Letter
8 My Story
12 Kindness of Strangers
14 Smart Animals

P.

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36

63 Quotable Quotes
90 Points to Ponder
112 Unbelievable
120 Puzzles, Trivia & Word Power

HUMOUR
36 Laughter, the Best Medicine
78 Life’s Like That
100 All in a Day’s Work

CONTESTS
5 Caption and Letter Competition
6 Jokes and Stories

SEE
PAGE
11

May•2016

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3


Letters

READERS’ COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

Letting Go of Anger

‘Under Pressure’ (February) about
catharsis and ways to release
anger and emotional pressure is
an excellent article. Instead of
venting our anger through
outbursts or by unloading on
friends, the writer talks about
methods of neutralising it. My
personal experience is that the

best method is some kind of
physical activity. Walking, jogging,
biking or playing a relaxing game

More Than One Can Chew

of golf can all be of great help in
shedding accumulated tension,
stress and anger.
TARIQUE MAHMOOD MALAK

Three Little Words

People making chewing noises has
bothered me for over 50 years
(‘Chewphobia’, March). Repetitive
noises such as clicking pens or a
computer mouse make me anxious.
I thought I was just being cranky,
but I’m almost relieved to know it’s
a recognised disorder. C.A., v i a e - m a i l

I’m sitting here with tears staining my
face. I still wish I had heard the words
“I love you” from my parents (‘Why
I Study Memory’, March). As an adult,
I decided to tell my parents that I
loved them, and all I got in return was
“OK”. I didn’t realise how much this
still hurts me until I read this story.

I am proud to say that my children
and I say those words often and easily
Why am I slapped with a malady just
because we understand
because you have bad
how important they are
table manners? Close
LET US KNOW
– and that is one of the
your mouth when you
If you are moved – or
provoked – by any item
best lessons I learnt
chew and stop cracking
in the magazine, share
from my parents.
your stupid gum!
LIANE LASKOSKE

4

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May•2016

your thoughts. See 
page 6 for how to join
the discussion.

JUDY WOODWARD

Kindness Counts
The 20 true stories (February) about
compassion, empathy or helping
others in need are incredible. The
strangers may forget their gesture of
kindness but not the beneficiaries,
who may remember it for the rest of
their lives.
PARVEZ RAHIM

Communicating Better
The article ‘11 Things To Never Say
To Someone With Chronic Pain’
(February) was extremely
educational. People often do not
realise the impact of the words we
speak on those around them. On that
note, I was wondering if we could
hope to see a similar article about
mental illness. Although it is, for want
of a better word, a ‘dark’ topic, it’s one
that I believe deserves more attention.
It could help people in dealing with
the miscommunication that results
VASHMA JUNAID
from such issues.

P HOTOS: iSTOCK

WIN A PILOT CAPLESS
FOUNTAIN PEN
The best letter published each
month will win a Pilot Capless
fountain pen, valued at over
$200. The Capless is the
perfect combination of luxury and
ingenious technology, featuring a
one-of-a-kind retractable fountain
pen nib, durable metal body,
beautiful rhodium accents, and
an 14K gold nib. Congratulations
to this month’s winner,
Tarique Mahmood Malak.

Cash Generation

We asked you to think up a funny
caption for this photo.
I have got my mind on money, and
money on my mind. ANDREW YEOH
Think like Einstein, earn like Bill
Gates!
JOANA KATHLEEN ABGAO
Windfalls of your mind.

NAOMI CRUZ

Aha! The penny dropped!

HAMID GHOWS

If my calculations are correct,
I should have my first billion by
dinner time.
CAROLINE JULLIENNE
Congratulations to this month’s
winner, JOANA KATHLEEN ABGAO

WIN!

CAPTION CONTEST

Come up with the funniest
caption for the above photo
and you could win $100. To
enter, see the details on page 6.
May•2016

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5


Vol.
Vol. 190
190
No. 1130
1131
No.

May 2016
April
2016

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Lynn Lewis
Managing Editor Louise Waterson Chief
Subeditor & Production Editor Donyale Harrison
Deputy Chief Subeditor Melanie Egan
SubeditorJenny Byrne Designer Luke Temby
Digital Editor & Humour Editor Greg Barton
Editorial Coordinator Victoria Polzot Senior
Editors Samantha Kent, Deborah Nixon
Contributing Editors Kathy Buchanan, Hazel
Flynn, Helen Signy
PRODUCTION & MARKETING
Production Manager Balaji Parthsarathy
Marketing Manager Gala Mechkauskayte
ADVERTISING Group Advertising & Retail
Sales Director, Asia Pacific Sheron White
Advertising Sales Manager Darlene Delaney
REGIONAL ADVERTISING CONTACTS
Asia Kahchi Liew,
Australia Darlene Delaney,

New Zealand Debbie Bishop,

PUBLISHED BY READER’S DIGEST
(AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
Managing Director/Publisher
Walter Beyleveldt

Director Lance Christie
READER’S DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC (USA)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Bonnie Kintzer
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer,
International Brian Kennedy
Editor-in-Chief, International Magazines
Raimo Moysa
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY MANNER
IN WHOLE OR PART IN ENGLISH OR OTHER
LANGUAGES PROHIBITED
6

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May
April•2016
•2016

CONTRIBUTE

FOR DIGITAL EXTRAS AND
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO, SEE PAGE
PAGE 35.
11.

Anecdotes and jokes

Send in your real-life laugh for

Life’s Like That or All in a Day’s
Work. Got a joke? Send it in for
Laughter is the Best Medicine!

Smart Animals

Share antics of unique pets or
wildlife in up to 300 words.

Kindness of Strangers

Share your moments of
generosity in 100–500 words.

My Story

Do you have an inspiring or
life-changing tale to tell?
Submissions must be true,
unpublished, original and
800–1000 words – see website
for more information.

Letters to the editor, caption
competition and other
reader submissions

Online

Follow the “Contribute” link at the

RD website in your region, or via:

Email
AU:
NZ:
Asia:
We may edit submissions and use them
in all media. See website for full terms
and conditions.

TO SERVE YOU BETTER –
OUR PRIVACY STATEMENT

Reader’s Digest collects your information to provide
our products and services and may also use your
information for the marketing purposes of RD and/
or selected corporate partners. If the information is
not provided you will be unable to access our
products or services. Our Privacy Policy at the
Reader’s Digest website in your region contains full
details on how your information is used (including
READER’S
IS PRINTED
ON PEFC-CERTIFIED
how we DIGEST
may share
your information
with our affiliate
PAPER. THIS PROVIDES AN ASSURANCE THAT THE
companies in the US or other overseas entities), how

PAPER IS PRODUCED FROM SUSTAINABLY MANAGED
you may
access
or correct
information held and our
FOREST
AND
CONTROLLED
SOURCES.
privacy complaints process.


Editor’s Note
Inside a Mother’s Concern
ASK ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME. I’ve never been a risk taker. I blame
my older brother, who throughout our childhood was always pushing
the boundaries beyond our mother’s comfort zone. His thrills and
spills were enough entertainment for the whole family. Now as
a mother of two boys, I get to experience that sinking feeling when
well-meaning neighbours drop by to update me on my sons’ latest
‘dangerous’ street-side exploits. So it was with interest that I read
‘I Wish I Could Tell Her Now’ (page 80). The writer, Michael Christie,
writes honestly about his relationship with his mother, a woman who
rarely left the house and whose crippling influence he fled when still
a teen. Writing after her death, and himself now a father,
Christie finally understands his mother’s concerns
and comes to the very true conclusion that
no mother or father wants their child –
regardless of age – to come to harm.
The story’s key theme left a strong

impression on me: children teach us
about ourselves, and about our parents.

Happy Mother’s Day!

LOUISE WATERSON

Managing Editor

May•2016

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7


MY STORY

It wasn’t just a rotary clothes line; it was a hideout, a
pirate ship, and a world of imagination and amusement

The Backyard
Merry-Go-Round
BY N IE NK E B E U M E R

Nienke Beumer
lives in the
small town
of Cooroy in
Queensland.

She has six
children
and four
grandchildren.
She enjoys
writing,
photography,
gardening and
sewing.

8

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May•2016

I CAN REMEMBER IT as if it was yesterday. Our black Kelpiecross dog Barkie would yelp with excitement, as he’d leap up
and grab the corner of a towel in his jaws. Then he’d hold on
tightly as he’d swing from it with all his might. Eventually, the
clothes line would start to spin around like a whirling dervish,
carrying him with it. He’d hang on for half a revolution, before
dropping to the grass. There he would crouch, stomach low to
the ground, his brown eyes never leaving the washing as it
whizzed around in the breeze. Then, quite suddenly, he’d turn
his attention to a floral sheet. Taking a short run up, he’d let
out a joyful yip before jumping up to grab the sheet in his
teeth. And off he’d go again, spinning around.
It was a much-loved game, and no matter how high Mum
wound the clothes line or how high up she pegged the washing,
he managed to reach it. All of our bedsheets and most of our

towels had patched hems or tattered corners, thanks to Barkie.
But Barkie wasn’t the only member of the family who
considered the clothes line to be the source of endless
entertainment. It was the early 1960s and the Hills Hoist rotary
clothes line in the backyard of our suburban home in Inala,
Brisbane, was our favourite toy.


PHOTO: iSTOCK

When we got home from school, my
brother, sister and I would hastily drop
our bags and run to the clothes line.
Grabbing hold of the round support
bar, we’d lift our legs in the air and see
how far our momentum could carry
us. We worked out that we’d get better
impetus if two of us were hanging from
opposite corners. Better still was when
we had our school friends over so we’d
have four kids – one on each corner.
When the line slowed, we’d put our
feet down to run a few steps, push off,
and we’d be airborne again. What fun
– our very own merry-go-round!
It also made a marvellous jungle
gym. My younger sister and brother

were more agile than I was. They’d
swing their legs over the bar and hang

upside down. I’d send the clothes line
spinning around and they’d squeal
with delight, as their arms flung out.
When I tired of entertaining them,
I’d wait for the line to stop turning.
Then I would climb up, using the
handle as a step. I’d pull myself up
through the centre until I could sit on
the apex at the very top. Then it was
my siblings’ turn to spin the line.
Finally we would all collapse beneath
the hoist, dizzy and laughing.
It was all fun and games – until
Mum caught us. Then there’d be
scolding and chores to do. But the next
May•2016

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9


M Y STO RY

A young Nienke (centre
day we would do it all
right) and her family in a
over again. It was part of
photograph from the early
the fabric of our lives.

1960s with the clothes line
Sometimes we’d
in the background.
throw an old bedspread
and his brave band of
over the hoist to make a
Lost Boys.
sunshade, where we
Years later, I watched
could have tea parties or
as my own children
picnics. Old blankets
climbed on board my
pegged to the outside
clothes line and hung,
lines converted it yet
then swung their little
again. Now it was a
bodies off it. Like my
cubby house or perhaps
mother before me, I’d
a schoolroom for our
called stern-sounding
dolls. Sometimes it
threats: “Hey! Don’t break 
became a secret hideout
Sometimes the my clothes line!”
from where the Terrific
clothes line
I’m turning into my

Trio would solve crimes
mother,
I thought to
that the bumbling police
became a secret
myself.
And
then I was
were unable to unravel.
hideout where
transported back to my
The Adventures of
the Terrific Trio childhood and the
Robin Hood was one of
would solve
enjoyment I’d had on
our favourite television
Mum’s clothes line.
shows, and the hoist
crimes
I laughed out loud at
made a magnificent
the thought. Seeing me
Nottingham Castle. One
laughing, my children realised I wasn’t
of us could stand guard at the top
angry. So, with big grins, they kept on
of-the hoist, while Robin Hood and
swinging on the Hills Hoist.
his-Merry Men tried to sneak up to

“Do you know what we used to do?”
capture the wicked Sheriff of
I asked, and joined in their game.
Nottingham.
After all, this is what childhood
In another favourite game, the hoist
memories – the most precious of all
became Captain Hook’s pirate ship.
– are made of.
With boxes making up the ‘ship’, one
bedsheet fore and another one aft
were installed as the sails. With an
Do you have a tale to tell?
imaginary skull and crossbones flying
We’ll pay cash for any original and
from the ‘mast’, Captain Hook’s pirate
unpublished story we print. See page
crew would battle against Peter Pan
6 for details on how to contribute.
10

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May•2016


JOIN THE
CONVERSATION
Four great reasons why you should
join us online…

We give away
cash and prizes

First look at
future issues

Join fun
competitions and
quizzes

Get a sneak peek
at upcoming
stories and
covers

We give
great advice

Get regular home,
health and food tips
from The Digest

A mother’s arms are made of
tenderness and children sleep
soundly in them. VI CTOR HUGO
We help you get
motivated

#QuotableQuotes and
#PointstoPonder to get you

through the day


KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Unconscious, and trapped in a blazing car, I had
no idea that a stranger was battling to save my life

Crash Rescue
BY KATH E R I N E ST Y M A N

Katherine
Styman is a
39-year-old
mother of three
from South
Australia. She
works in the
hospitality
industry and
has just
become the
proud
grandmother
of a beautiful
little boy.

12

IT WAS 3AM, a cold and wet night, on August 21, 2010. I had

just left a local club to travel the ten kilometres home, when
I lost control of my car on Grand Junction Road in Hope
Valley, which is on the outskirts of Adelaide.
I crashed into a stationary car, then hit a tree. The car was
parked at the front of a house, about three metres away from
the tree in the corner of the yard. The force of the impact was
such that it shunted the parked car several metres forwards.
I was knocked out cold, and totally oblivious to my injuries.
Worse still, I had no idea that a fire had started under the
bonnet of my car. It then set the tree on fire.
Driving in the car behind me was a young man, who I
later found out was called Jared. He saw the accident occur,
and stopped to help me out of the blazing car wreck. He
put his own life in danger when he got into the back seat
to try to undo my seat belt. This wasn’t easy because I’d hit
the stationary car on my driver’s side and my seat belt was
crushed into the console.
With my seat belt undone, Jared then smashed open the
driver’s window to drag me out as I had still not regained
consciousness. He bravely did this while my car and the
tree were burning. Woken by the crash, the homeowners
came out to investigate. Jared told them to ring emergency


PHOTO: iSTOCK

services while he continued to help
me from the car. Once he got me out
and away from the blaze, he laid me
on the ground. All the while, I was

unconscious.
I owe my life to Jared and I consider
him a friend due to the special bond
created the night he dragged me to
safety. I was rushed to Royal Adelaide
Hospital in a serious condition,
having sustained five pelvic fractures,
internal bleeding, smoke inhalation
and, of course, the head injury that
had rendered me unconscious.
I eventually woke up in the
intensive care unit a day later. I spent
a few weeks in hospital, during which
time Jared visited me to see how I was

recovering. He also continued to keep
in contact after I was discharged. He
says that although the events of that
night initially shocked him, he never
once hesitated to help. In addition, he
doesn’t believe that he did anything
special. On that, I totally disagree
with him and am so very glad that he
didn’t get hurt in the process.
Today, nearly six years later, Jared
and I still catch up at least once
a month and often reminisce about
the events of that night and how we
met. Jared is my angel, my friend.
Share your story about a small act of

kindness that made a huge impact.
Turn to page 6 for details on how to
contribute and earn cash.
13


Smart Animals

Better than a Bear Hug
NICHOLAS ORDINANS

In the 1970s, I worked as the carnivore
keeper for a large UK zoo where one
of the earliest successful breedings of
a polar bear in captivity took place.
The mother and her male cub
were left undisturbed for three
months following the cub’s arrival.
However, by the time the pair was
finally released into the outside
enclosure, their swimming pool had
been drained of water. The pool had
been filled with a thick protective
layer of straw as a crowd of VIPs
and reporters gathered to witness
the cub’s first public appearance.
14

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May•2016

As soon as the pair emerged,
the fluffy cub began exploring his
surroundings and waddled up a
ramp that led to a diving platform
that projected five metres out over
the pool. Suddenly, the layer of
straw seemed inadequate.
Everyone held their breath as the
cub peered down at the long drop
below. In my mind’s eye I saw a slow
tumbling fall, ending with a sickening
crunch as the cub’s fragile young
bones smashed into the concrete.
He leaned even further forwards and
lost his balance, somehow managing
to dangle helplessly by his forepaws
from the edge of the platform.>> 

ILLUSTRATED BY EDWINA KEEN E

Lend a helping paw when needed


Cameras clattered as the drama was
captured for the morning newspapers
and, realising his predicament, the
cub let out an anguished howl.
His mother had been exploring the

far side of the enclosure, completely
oblivious to her newborn’s
predicament. At the sound of his
distress, she raced across, jumped
down into the pool, raised herself on
her hind legs directly beneath him
and stretched out her front paws. The
cub released his hold on the ledge
and dropped onto his mother’s
waiting forelegs. She lowered him
gently onto the layer of straw and
then cuffed him around the ear
before returning to her
exploration of the
enclosure.

Sharing is Caring
ASTRID WANGIWANG VALERA

Maxx, my three-year-old
Labrador, has a pointer friend called
Pip. We are friends with Pip’s owner
Julius, who lives three houses away
and the two dogs play together.
One day, I gave Maxx a bone
as a reward for not chasing our
chickens. He would normally settle
down in the back kitchen to chew it,
but this time he left the house with
his reward in his mouth.

The next day, my husband gave
him another bone but this time kept
an eye on him. When Maxx left the
house again with his treat, my
husband followed him to Julius’s

house and that explained it. Julius
told my husband that Pip had been
unwell for a couple of days and that
Maxx had paid him a visit with a
bone as his get-well-soon gift.

Tiger Earns His Stripes
RAY BETTERIDGE

Normally, my two-year-old cat, Tiger,
hates it when I use my iPad because
it takes my attention away from him.
In July last year, I had a fall at home
and was on the floor for 16 hours.
During this time, I was unable to
move and couldn’t get to the phone
to call for help. Tiger stayed by
my side until he vanished
under my bed.
What’s he up to?
I wondered. To my
surprise, he started to
push something
towards me. It was my

iPad, which I didn’t
realise had fallen off the
bed and onto the floor
underneath. He probably didn’t
know what it was, but he knew that
it made me happy.
Thanks to Tiger, I was able to
contact a friend, who then contacted
emergency services. I spent the next
eight days in hospital recovering.
When I returned home, I bought
Tiger a salmon in gratitude.
You could earn cash by telling us about the
antics of unique pets or wildlife. Turn to
page 6 for details on how to contribute.
May•2016

|

15


THE DIGEST
HEALTH

Separating Diabetes
Myths from Truths

Despite its prevalence, misinformation surrounds
diabetes. Here we set the record straight

MYTH I have just a touch of diabetes.
TRUTH There is no such thing as a

‘touch of diabetes’, just as there is no
such thing as a ‘touch of pregnancy’.
While type 2 diabetes can in some
cases be reversed through bariatric
surgery and newly diagnosed patients
may be able to go off medication with
diet and exercise changes, for most
people it will be a lifelong condition.
MYTH I feel fine, so my blood glucose

is fine.
TRUTH High or low blood glucose

doesn’t always produce obvious
16

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May•2016

symptoms. Regular monitoring is the
only way to know for sure.
MYTH I’m a pro at self-management;
check-ups are just a waste of time.
TRUTH The medical community
is constantly learning more about

this complex condition and how
best to deal with it. Regular checkups are essential to help prevent
complications from arising.
MYTH If I don’t need insulin or
medications, it isn’t serious.
TRUTH Diabetes is always
serious. Healthy eating and
exercise can keep your
blood glucose in check
but your cells are still
insulin resistant and your
condition could worsen if
you don’t control it.

P HOTO: iSTOCK

MYTH If you develop diabetes, you
can never eat sugar again.
TRUTH People with diabetes can
have a small amount of added sugar
in the food they eat as part of their
healthy eating plan.


An Agenda for Action

Implementing a ‘big-picture’ plan will help you to manage your diabetes,
enabling you to live a stimulating, productive and enjoyable life
BE COMMITTED No, you don’t need
to obsess about your blood glucose.

But studies have demonstrated that
closely monitoring your bloodglucose levels to help you keep as
near to a normal range as possible
can dramatically reduce your risk of
complications from diabetes.
EAT SMARTER A healthy eating plan
is the first stop in controlling your
weight. It’s also a tool for managing
your blood-glucose levels, blood fats
and blood pressure. This doesn’t
mean you have to stop eating your
favourite foods or subscribe to an
eccentric diet.

One in 11
adults around
the world – 415
million people –
has diabetes.

Instead, you’ll want to follow a
balanced plan that provides food
variety in moderate proportions.
LOSE WEIGHT Being overweight is
the biggest contributor to the vast
majority of type 2 diabetes cases,
and dropping excess kilos is the
single most important move you
can make to assert control over
your disease.

GET MOVING Equally important to
your weight and blood glucose is
physical activity. The philosophy
is similar to that of healthy eating
– nothing extreme is necessary.
You just need to get your heart and
muscles into action with moderate
activities. Walking is a good example
of a low-impact activity that is easy
and pleasurable. Find a routine you
enjoy and stick with it.

SHUT-EYE HELPS

ZZ Z

Sleeping in at the
weekend may help prevent
diabetes among the sleep
deprived, concludes a recent US study.
Sleep deprivation seems to lead to increased
diabetes risk and a worsening of symptoms
for those with diabetes, but the study showed
that two weekend nights of long, uninterrupted
sleep may be enough to reverse a week’s
worth of insufficient shut-eye.

May•2016

|

17


HEALTH

NEWS FROM THE

World of Medicine
What Your Music Says
About Your Brain

Mild dehydration may
increase driver inattention
and compromise safety as
much as alcohol does. A
small UK study tracked men
during two simulated driving
tests. In one test, they drank large
amounts of water the day before and
the day of the test. In another, they
had limited water both days. When
dehydrated, the men made 101 minor
driving errors (comparable to a
blood-alcohol level of 0.08%) but only
47 errors when hydrated.

In a study published in the
journal PLOS One, 4500
participants completed

psychology-based
questionnaires and rated
up to 50 songs. Those who
scored high on empathy preferred
gentle music with string instruments
– think Jeff Buckley’s rendition of
‘Hallelujah’. Systemisers (those who
focus on rules) preferred high-energy,
percussive music – like the song ‘Enter
Sandman’ by Metallica.

Breath Test for Liver Disease

A molecule found in algae as well as
reef fish mucus could be the basis for
a potential new kind of sunscreen.
The UV-absorbing molecules
protect marine life from the sun’s
rays, according to a report in the
journal ACS Applied Materials &
Interfaces. The researchers combined
the molecules with chitosan, a
biopolymer from crustacean shells.
In other research, Australian
CSIRO scientists have mimicked
coral’s natural UV filters so that it
can be safely used as an ingredient
in human sunscreen.

It is difficult to detect liver disease,

but a breath test that identifies a
compound found in oranges and
lemons may help doctors diagnose
it sooner. In a UK study, the
compound, limonene, was higher
in the breath samples of 31 patients
with cirrhosis than it was in healthy
participants. People with cirrhosis
(liver scarring) are unable to fully
metabolise limonene, which is then
stored in body fat. Researchers are
now working to develop a small
portable breath test.
18

|

May•2016

Fishing for New Sunscreens

PHOTO: A DA M VOORHES

Drink This Before
Driving


Help for Corns, Calluses
and Cracked Heels

BY MICHELLE VILLETT

About half of us can expect to suffer

OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES

corns, calluses or cracked heels at
some time, says podiatrist Douglas
Lamb. Corns and calluses are skin
that has toughened and thickened
due to friction and pressure. While
corns may be inflamed and occur on
or between the toes, calluses typically
grow in a large area on the balls of
the feet or heels and don’t usually
hurt. Try these techniques to prevent
common foot problems.

These are a good start in treating
corns, cracked heels and calluses.
n Corns Salicylic acid treatments
are available as medicated patches
or liquid drops and work by softening
the thickened layer of skin. Follow
instructions carefully.
n Cracked Heels As the skin on the
soles of feet is about 2.5 times thicker
than the skin on your face, use an
intensive medicinal moisturiser that
is formulated to penetrate the

layers of tissue.
n Calluses Shoe inserts and
heel pads, available at your
pharmacy, will help prevent
calluses by providing additional
cushioning and stability as you
walk.

WEAR SUPPORTIVE
SHOES Look for

PHOTO: i STOCK

footwear that’s
made of leather, is
breathable and allows
sweat to escape – the
less you sweat, the less
dried out your feet will
become. Opt for shoes with
ample width and toe room.
PRACTISE GOOD FOOT
HYGIENE This involves

treating your feet to a bit
of attention. Buff with a
pumice stone and regularly
moisturise.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

OR PODIATRIST Make an

appointment if you have a
callus or corn that is painful or
inflamed, or deep cracks that
start to bleed – these are all signs
of infection. This is vital if you
have diabetes, poor circulation or
impaired nerves in your feet.
May•2016

|

19


HEALTH

Overcome Exercise Excuses
BY JACKIE MIDDLETON

Angela Marshall, a life and weightloss coach, says this excuse is easy to
overcome. You just have to examine it
from a new perspective. “If someone
offered you $100,000 to commit to
exercise, would you do it?” she asks.
“If you said yes, then you can fit it in
– you’ve just chosen not to.” It’s also
worth noting that you don’t have to
complete hour-long workout sessions

each day to reap healthy benefits.
Ten-minute bursts of walking, stair
climbing or squats performed several
times a week can help you sleep more
soundly and feel better.

“I can’t afford a gym or
personal trainer”
“There are free and low-cost options,”
says fitness trainer Lisa Workman.
Borrow workout DVDs from your local
20

|

May•2016

library, watch videos on YouTube, or
take up walking or running for fitness
– all you really need for those is a pair
of shoes. And if your heart is set on a
personal trainer, pool your finances
with friends and hire one as a group.

“I try exercising, but my
weight won’t budge”
Losing weight should not be your
exercise goal. In most cases, relying
on exercise to shed kilos is a losing
battle unless you are also committed

to a healthy restricted-kilojoule
diet. Instead, concentrate on the
benefits that exercise delivers, such as
improved blood pressure, increased
stamina and a lower risk of diabetes.
You’ll have a toned body, and the
more muscle mass you have, the faster
you’ll burn kilojoules – and those
endorphins will make you feel great.

P HOTO: iSTOCK

“I’m too busy to work out”


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Tip

FOOD

Don’t have
pappardelle?
Use tagliatelle,
linguine or
fettuccine.

PASTA

Chicken and
Cherry Tomato Pappardelle
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
500 g boneless, skinless chicken
breast, cut into small cubes
400 g cherry tomatoes, halved
400 g pappardelle
150 g rocket (arugula)
Salt and freshly
ground black pepper

PER SERVING
2564 kJ, 613 kcal,
40 g protein, 18 g fat
(4 g saturated fat),
73 carbohydrate (4 g
sugars), 6 g fibre,
254 mg sodium

Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking 15 minutes
Serves 4
1 Heat the oil in a frying pan with lid.
Add onion and garlic; cook gently for
2 minutes. Add chicken and stir-fry

over medium heat until lightly
coloured. Reduce heat slightly and stir
in tomatoes. Cover pan and simmer,
stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes
or until tomatoes are very soft and
chicken is cooked through.
2 While sauce is simmering, cook
pappardelle in a large saucepan of
salted boiling water for 10–12 minutes
or following packet instructions, until
al dente. Drain.
3 Stir rocket into sauce and season
to taste. Transfer pasta to a large
warmed serving bowl. Spoon over
sauce and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.
Pasta: 125 Classic &
Contemporary Recipes
is out now. ISBN 978-1925306-06-04. Available
from Reader’s Digest,
call 0800 400 060
or visit us online.

22

|

May•2016

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day reminds us of
recipes passed down
generation to generation, of
keeping family traditions
alive. In Italy, it’s celebrated 
as Festa della Mamma with
lots of fresh pasta dishes.

PASTA PRESTO
Pasta is easy to prepare and you
can make it special with toppings
of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good
olive oil or a sprinkle of shaved hard
cheese. Here are more quick ideas.
l Sauté garlic and dried chilli flakes,
stir in chopped tomatoes, season
with black pepper, and then stir
through any long pasta.
l Toss shop-bought mushroom
ravioli with olive oil, grated
parmesan and chopped chives.

Stir steamed broccoli through
rigatoni, add pieces of brie and
a sprinkle of pine nuts.
P HOTO: (C HOCOLATE) iSTOCK

l

l Take a can of tuna, and make it
special with sundried tomatoes and
capers over a bed of fettuccine.
l Whizz fresh basil, garlic,
parmesan and olive oil in the
blender for a quick sauce.

Here is a no-fuss,
yet impressive,
cake for a special
occasion. Serve
with a generous
dollop of cream
or a spoonful of
good ice-cream.

EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).
Lightly grease and flour a 4-cup (1 litre)
capacity heart-shaped cake tin or
silicone mould.
Sift 185 g plain (all-purpose) flour,
1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ cup
(145 g) caster (superfine) sugar and
¼ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa
powder into a medium bowl and mix
until well combined.
Add 125 g melted butter, 2 eggs,
¾ cup (180 ml) milk and 1 teaspoon

vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
Pour into prepared cake tin or mould.
Bake for 1 hour, or until cooked – a
skewer inserted in the centre will come
out clean. Cool cake in tin on wire rack
for 10 minutes, then turn out to finish
cooling. If in a mould, cool completely
in the mould before turning out. Cover
with buttercream (see below).

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM
Beat 125 g softened unsalted butter
until light and creamy. Gradually beat
in 1 cup (125 g) icing sugar and
continue beating until the mixture is
light and fluffy. Add 125 g melted and
slightly cooled dark chocolate
and beat until combined.
Spread over cake and
allow to set.